Cedar Ridge Preserve

Cedar Ridge Preserve

Dallas, Texas, 301 Acres

Preserve Features

Cedar Ridge Preserve, which is located in a part of the County where the Blackland Prairie (which characterizes most of North Texas) meets a limestone escarpment, provides visitors with incredible experiences--spectacular views, Hill Country-type terrain, heavily-wooded areas, and beautiful wildflowers--that generally cannot be found at one single site. As a result, Cedar Ridge is a popular destination for school field trips, hikers, bird-watchers, and people who just want to get away from the big city.

Preserve History

What became this Preserve began in 1975 when the Greenhills Foundation first acquired twenty-six acres and the Dallas Nature Center began providing outdoor appreciation programs. In 1985, the County also began acquiring property in the area, and in 2003, the County acquired the last of the twenty-six acres that had once been owned by the Greenhills Foundation with Audubon Dallas also assuming the management and education role that had previously been provided by the Nature Center. Today, the County owns 301 acres, and the City of Dallas owns another 297 surrounding acres which are also a part of this Preserve.

Preserve Features

Cedar Ridge Preserve is a 605.1-acre preserve located in Dallas. There is a main vehicular entrance and two pedestrian entrances from the surrounding neighborhoods. Audubon Dallas manages the preserve and offers a variety of educational programs and volunteer events. The preserve is open daily Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays).

Preserve Amenities

Cedar Ridge Preserve is located in the White Rock Escarpment, which provides visitors with spectacular hilly views and significant elevation change. There are 7.5 miles of soft-surface trails that take you past beautiful wildflowers, heavily wooded areas, and scenic overlooks. Other amenities include restrooms, an education building, an amphitheater, picnic tables, and benches.

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Soft surface trails
• Picnic tables

Audubon Dallas offers a continuous series of educational classes, nature walks, and lectures. Information about Audubon's many activities and programs can be found at: www.audubondallas.org.

Preserve History

In 1975, the Greenhills Foundation acquired 26 acres and the Dallas Nature Center began providing outdoor appreciation programs. In 1985, Dallas County began acquiring property in the area, and in 2003, acquired the last of the 26 acres that had once been owned by the Greenhills Foundation. Audubon Dallas continued the outdoor education role that had once been provided by the Dallas Nature Center. Today the county and the City of Dallas each own a portion of the preserve.

Preserve Rules and Maintenance

Cedar Ridge Preserve is maintained by Audubon Dallas. To report maintenance issues, please call Audubon Dallas at (972) 709-7784. Read their rules and download a trail map at their website.

Know Before You Go

Cedar Ridge Preserve is extremely popular destination and parking may be limited. Please consider carpooling if you are coming with a group. 

Dogs are allowed at Cedar Ridge Preserve, but must be on a leash per City of Dallas leash laws. The terrain is challenging, especially in hot weather! Remember, always bring water for you and your dog and know your limits and their limits. Take a rest break every once in a while for your dog and enjoy the views!